Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Formula 2 Driver, Natacha Gachnang Has Been Announced As The European Face Of Forza 3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NG_Portrait.jpg
Microsoft has announced that female Swiss Formula 2 driver, Natacha Gachnang will be the European face of Forza 3. Natacha has also been to Seattle as a consultant of the game, providing the developers with advice over the games realism, like the tracks she's raced at, the sounds in the game, and the set-up of the cars she's driven.

Press Release

LONDON – 29 July 2009 - Xbox® today announced Swiss born, female racing sensation Natacha Gachnang as the European ‘Face of Forza’ to celebrate the upcoming launch of Forza Motorsport® 3 for the Xbox 360® from Microsoft.

Launching on 23 October 2009, Forza Motorsport 3, is the definitive racing game for everyone from hardcore tuners to anyone who’s ever dreamed of driving at full-throttle. Who better than Gachnang to speak to its incredible realism and thrilling driving action.

In December 2008, Gachnang was announced as the first ever female driver to race in the FIA Formula Two Championships. The 21 year old, who is the cousin of Formula One driver Sébastien Buemi, is currently shining in her debut season racing under MotorSport Vision.

Natacha also spent some time in Seattle as a consultant on the game, giving advice on the realism of some of the tracks she has raced in her career, as well as critiquing the sounds and set ups of the cars she has driven. Gachnang also explored the customisation and tuning elements of the game and created her own car.

The ultimate thrill seeker, Gachnang lists heliskiing as one of her favourite hobbies and she jumped at the chance to test her experience of the road on the breathtaking virtual tracks of Forza 3.

“What a buzz – the tracks, the cars, the handling – the attention to detail is incredible. Forza 3 is a car fans dream! It really feels like I’m right there, in the car, racing round the tracks, all in the comfort of my own living room!” said Natacha Gachnang

Launching this October exclusively on Xbox 360, "Forza Motorsport 3" unites the racing game genre making it possible for everyone to experience the thrill of the world's most exotic and exquisite cars.

You can take the wheel of over 400 of the most loved cars on the planet on over 100 different tracks, including the sublime Audi R8 and the infamous German Nürburgring.

Developed by Turn 10 and Microsoft Studios, Game Director Dan Greenawalt stated, “A love of all things cars lives in everyone at Turn 10. It’s fantastic to see this mirrored in Natacha. Her passion and expertise for racing is clear to see and the realism of the game really lets her skills as a driver shine through. From a pro driver like Natacha to anyone who has a passion for cars, Forza Motorsport 3 has something for everyone.”

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online athttp://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE connects more than 17 million members across 26 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. Home of more entertainment from one remote than can be found from any device connected to the television, Xbox LIVE is also a unified online social network bringing friends together, no matter where they are — in the living room or across the world. More information and Xbox LIVE membership can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.


Free Realms Comic Set For USA Release Today

Sony Online Entertainment have announced that the Free Realms Comic, being done with WildStorm, is out today.The comic will be a 12 Comic-run

Free Realms


Press Release

Free RealmsTM Comic Book Hits Stands
Sony Online Entertainment and WildStorm have teamed up with best-selling fantasy author J.S. Lewis to adapt the smash hit MMO, Free Realms™ (www.FreeRealms.com), to the comic page! This 12-issue comic book series mirrors the nonstop action of the game, offering exciting adventures, battles with vicious monsters and, of course, the allure of gorgeous fairies!

The story begins when a young boy is abducted and dragged into a darkened forest teeming with twisted monsters. It's up to a relic hunter and a pixie to save him, but their mission is cut short when a horde of troll-like creatures captures them!

On sale starting July 29th, 2009, look for Free Realms comic book issue #1 wherever comics are sold!

FEATURES:
• 32pg.
• Color
• $3.99 US
• Story by J.S. Lewis
• Art by Jon Buran and Allen Martinez
• Colors by Bill Crabtree
• Letters by Johnny Lowe
• Cover by Jon Buran and Allen Martinez
• Release Date Wed, July 29th, 2009

New Zero Punctuation - Wii Sports Resort

A New Zero Punctuation and it's a Wii Game...It doesn't stand a chance...does it?
Well if it's bowling, archery, and Frisbee, it might.





Sony Online Entertainment Have Released A New EverQuest II Trailer,Done By TinkerFest, Showing Uses Of Cogs

Sony Online Entertainment have released a trailer for EverQuest II. the trailer was made by TinkerFest and it shows Cogs. Cogs being used as decoration in houses and around them.





New Screenshots for Dance Dance Revolution For The Nintendo Wii And Playstation 2

Konami have released new screenshots for both the Playstation 2 and Nintendo Wii versions of Dance Dance Revolution.

Dance Dance Revolution Wii


Dance Dance Revolution PS2



New Screenshots for Ultiamte Party Challenge On Nintendo Wii

Konami have released new screenshots for the upcoming Nintendo Wii Game, Ultimate Party Challenge.

Ultimate Party Challenge



Konami Has Released New Screenshots for Pop'N Music

Konami have released new screenshots for Pop'N Music, a game coming out on the Nintendo Wii.

Pop'N Music



New Vandal Hearts Screenshots


Konami have released new screenshots for thier upcoming Vandal Hearts Game. it is a downloadable title for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Vandal Hearts




New Walk It Out Screenshots On The Nintendo Wii

Konami have released new screenshots for their upcoming fitness game, Walk it Out, on the Nintendo Wii.

Walk It Out




New Tornado Outbreak Screenshots On The Nintendo Wii

Konami have released more screenshots for their upcmoming Nintendo Wii game, Tornado Outbreak.

Tornado Outbreak



New WireWay Screenshots For Nintendo DS



Konami have released new screenshots for thier upcoming Nintendo DS game, WireWay.

Wire Way



New Xbox 360/Playstation 3 PES 2010 (Pro Evolution Soccer 2010) Screenshots

Konami have released new in game screenshots for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 Version of PES 2010 (Pro Evolution Soccer 2010).

PES 2010



Screenshots for Reflections On The Nintendo DS

Konami have released new screenshots for their upcoming Nintendo DS game, Reflections.

Reflections



Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)





Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Forza 3 ScreenShots Of European Sports Cars And The Circuit de Catalunya

Microsfot have released new screenshots of the European sports cars and the Circuit de Catalunya which are in Forza 3.

Forza 3




NBA 2K10: Draft Combine Pictures And Information

2K Have announced a new XBLA and PSN game called NBA 2K10 Draft Combine. it is a download only game that is coming out in September. before the Fall release of NBA 2K 10.
In NBA 2K10 Draft Combine you get to create your own player, which has over 300 different customisations, and play with them at either a famous Chicago gym, ATTACKS Athletics Gym, or on court playing 5-on-5 games.
The game also gives players a early look at upcoming features in NBA 2K 10, like new gameplay features, player progression system, and a My Player Career mode.

NBA 2K10 Draft Combine


Press Release

NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- Jul 28, 2009 2K Sports today announced NBA® 2K10: Draft Combine, a download-only title that will provide pre-season fun for basketball fans leading up to the fall launch of NBA 2K10. Planned for release this September on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system,, NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will allow fans to create their own custom player with the utmost detail and, for the first time in the NBA 2K series, begin their career by experiencing the on-court life of an NBA hopeful going through the NBA Draft Combine at the world-renowned, ATTACK Athletics gym in Chicago.
“We’re giving our dedicated NBA 2K fans an incredible opportunity with NBA 2K10: Draft Combine,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “Gamers will have exclusive access to online content and get to test drive NBA 2K10’s new gameplay features, advanced player progression system and the all-new My Player career mode before the game launches this fall.”

Features of NBA 2K10: Draft Combine include:
Building custom players by working with a mentor, the 2K Insider, and increasing their NBA stock through a variety of challenging basketball drills and 5-on-5 games.

Over 300 different signature customizations, including player-specific shooting animations, dunk and dribble packages and more to allow each created player to have his own unique personal style.

Ability to strengthen all parts of the created player’s game with a variety of drills, such as shooting, post offense and defense, attacking the basket, dribbling, challenging shots, boxing out for rebounds and more to progress through the NBA Draft Combine.

Organized games that will allow players to gain valuable skill points and offer a variety of specific in-game objectives that will need to be accomplished in order to gain them. At the end of each game, a full analysis will be available for gamers to review their player’s performance and strategize their further improvement.

All players created in NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will wear a special patch on their uniform throughout the rest of that player’s career to denote that they have completed the NBA Draft Combine.

Online leaderboards to track the highest ranking custom built players, and where a player stacks up against the competition.

Opportunity to unlock special achievements on Xbox 360 and trophies for PLAYSTATION 3 system.

Fans can take their custom built players from NBA 2K10: Draft Combine and use them in the all-new My Player career mode in NBA 2K10 launching this fall, allowing them to continue their journey of becoming an NBA legend.

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, developed by Visual Concepts, is planned for release in North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and India this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 (400 Microsoft Points) and PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 system ($4.99). For more information about NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, please visit www.2ksports.com/games/nba2k10dc.
2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. Take-Two also distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
NBA

The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. (C) 2008 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and “PS3” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The PlayStation Network Logo is a service mark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our reliance on a primary distribution service provider for a significant portion of our products, our ability to raise capital if needed, risks associated with international operations, the matters relating to the investigation by a special committee of our board of directors of the Company's stock option grants and the claims and proceedings relating thereto (including stockholder and derivative litigation, actions by governmental agencies and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors) and risks associated with the Company's concluded process to evaluate its strategic alternatives including stockholder litigation arising therefrom. Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, in the section entitled "Risk Factors," as updated in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2009, and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


NHL 10 Developer Blog Discussing Fantasy Draft

EA has released a new Developer Blog post for NHL 10. In the blog post, the games Associate Producer, Andy Agostini discusses the return to the series of the fantasy Draft and the improvements to it.

For Fantasy Draft, The season mode will pick the best players from the season and put them in the Stanley Cup. However, in the GM Mode the computer has many more different factors to consider when it comes to the draft. because of this, the players who are called into the draft as the computer looks further into the future.

For the he new Be A GM mode, the players aim is to become the best General Manager. it is similar to the games Be A Pro, but the differences here are that over 140 tasks which need to be completed during your career. To help the player, there are now 4 types of staff, amateur scouts, pro scouts, trainers and assistant coaches.


NHL 10


NHL 10 Blog 4

Andy Agostini, associate producer

Fantasy Draft: Season Mode and Be a GM

As you may have heard the Fantasy Draft is now back in NHL 10.
When we worked on putting the Fantasy Draft back into the game we wanted it to be smarter than in years past. We looked at other sports games’ fantasy drafts and decided to try something different and it’s something that worked very well.

We have two different logics for our Fantasy Draft.

One is the Season Mode Fantasy Draft logic. This mode will have the fantasy draft pick the best players overall and put them on their team and battle for the Stanley cup over 1 year.

The second version of the logic is our new Be a GM mode Fantasy Draft logic that actually takes into account many factors in the CPU’s picks. In other sports games it can be quite easy to select 5 top young players when the draft starts and the CPU will be picking by which player is the best overall. This makes it a bit tougher on the user at the beginning but in the long run the CPU will start to see a ton of retirements as these great older players start to retire and the user’s young team grows and becomes unstoppable until the salary cap starts to bite them then they just trade away their stud get more youth and start all over becoming a great dynasty.

Now with our new logic the CPU actually takes into account five things: the players overall, his age, potential, what players he has already drafted and his contract. This changes the dynamic of who is selected in the draft. So with the new logic Nicklas Lidstrom is being drafted around the third round as he is 39 years old and on the end of his career. Does this mean that all the older good players don’t get selected in the first round? No, overall is still a major factor in the fantasy draft but now they consider what their team will look like in 2 or 3 seasons in past years they kept taking that older veteran that was at the top of his game with no foresight into the future for their franchises.

With the new logic we are seeing that the game is much more balanced when going into Be a GM mode and a lot more challenging as the other teams have emerging superstars just like you do. So we hope everybody enjoys this new/old feature that is back in NHL 10.

Be a GM Mode.
Be A GM is our new mode this year where we took the idea of becoming a legend player in Be a Pro and associated it with being a Legend GM. Some real life legend GM’s are Glen Sather (Edmonton Oilers Dynasty), Toe Blake (Montreal Canadiens Dynasty), Bill Torrey (New York Islanders Dynasty) and Ken Holland (Detroit Red Wings). These men are famous for putting together franchises that had great success for a very long period of time.

To work your way to becoming a Legend GM you will need to complete GM Tasks. There are over 140 tasks to complete and they are wide ranging. Some are as easy as completing one trade and some are as hard as winning five Stanley Cups in eight seasons. Each task gets you task points which you earn to unlock the 6 different levels of your road to Legend GM. Another thing that the task points are good for are for upgrading your staff. New to this year we have 4 staff types that will help you in creating a dynasty franchise. These 4 types of staff are Trainers, Amateur Scouts, Pro Scouts and Assistant Coaches.

Each staff member helps in doing the following things.
Trainers help heal your players faster as well as help your players durability to long term injuries.

Amateur Scouts will provide information on the upcoming draft class.

Pro Scouts help you know about rumors around the league in regards to who is up for trade on the all new trade block and rumor mill.

Assistant Coaches will help your player development so that you can develop superstars thru the draft and your system.

So doing well as a franchise allows you to improve your staff. These staff members will be able to provide a lot of extra information and will make your franchise stronger.

Another aspect of the GM Tracker that is brand new to Be a GM is GM Reputation. Every GM in the league will have a relationship with you and depending on how you work with them when it comes to making fair trade offers they will have a relationship with you. Free agents also are aware of your reputation. Nobody will want to come to your team if you sign players and then trade them away right away. This reputation is extremely important when it comes to one of our newest features.

The Entry Draft and Trading Deadline this year are extremely important as you will now be able to trade on Draft day as well as on the Trading Deadline. Your GM Reputation plays a part on these days as the better your reputation the more phones you will have at your disposal to make deals with. This is one of my favorite features in Be a GM as you only have so many phones to make something happen during each round and if you can’t finish a deal then you have wait till the next round. The CPU teams are making deals during this time as well so the deal you thought you were close to completing with a team might not be available any longer, as that player might have been traded during the round and you will have to restart negotiations to get him with his new team. Also once a team gets a player it might take a lot more to get him now as the new team wanted him for a reason.

The screenshot below shows you one of the phones that will be available to you on the Entry Draft and the Trade Deadline

To go with the new trading mini games we have also rewritten our Trade AI from the ground up. This AI now takes into account so many factors that we have been shocked at which players show up on the trading block. We had Ryan Whitney on the trading block in our game the day before he was traded to Anaheim. I was actually laughing at Pittsburgh’s trading block thinking I don’t think the Penguins would ever trade him. I was ready to make some minor tuning tweaks to the logic then the next day he was traded. Shows you how much I know about what teams will do.

The basic fundamental of the trade AI is every team knows what type of team they are. There are 5 types of teams.
Rebuilders
Playoff Hopefuls
Playoff Bubble
Playoff Contender
Championship Contender

Depending on where a team is in their development cycle they will all be looking for different things when it comes to making trades. This along with knowing its team’s strengths and weaknesses led us to trades that will actually make more sense.

So a rebuilding team is probably looking for draft picks and prospects over older veterans and a team who is a championship contender is more than likely willing to give up a prospect or pick for another veteran to add to their team for the final playoff run.

Now as the season progresses if a team is doing better or worse than their original season prediction for itself it will change its team type on the fly and will react to their situation accordingly. This makes our new Trading Block much more important.

The trading block in other games that I have seen were mainly about which players are you willing to trade. Ours has that as well as sliders which tell the CPU what you are looking for and what you are willing to give up in return. This makes it easier to get a lot of offers or very few offers if you are looking for something very specific. The screenshot below shows that the sliders are by position as well as what type of player or pick you are willing to give. This makes the trade offers be tailored to what you are looking for.

In addition, you can get fired and hired by other teams. You will have a contract that you will have expectations each year laid out for you, depending on how you do you will either get a renewal or you might be let go and have to find another team to run.

We have added contract buyouts to the game. I have read on some message boards saying we don’t have a way to cut a player during the year. So just to clarify the CBA rules says you are not allowed to release a player during the season. The only way you can release a player is to buy him out in the offseason or put him in the minors during the season but still pay his full salary while he is there. Attached below is a screenshot of our new contract buyout screen which shows you what the salary cap penalty will be for buying out a player.

Good luck becoming a Legend GM.

Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island, Nintendo DS box Art And Information


NIS has revealed the Nintendo DS Box Art for their upcoming release, Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island.
The game is the latest in the Atelier series and has new improvements for the Nintendo DS. Previous titles were only RPG in style, this game has a Sim based SRPG system.
There are many rare items to collect as the player explores the world of Annie.




Fact Sheet

ESRB/PEGI
Pending

RELEASE
10/27/2009

GENRE
RPG

PLATFORM
NINTENDO DS

PLAYER(S)
1

PUBLISHER
NIS

DEVELOPER
GUST

ATELIER SERIES EVOLVES TO THE DS!
With its strong support from the hardcore gamer crowd Atelier Annie the latest incarnation of the Atelier series will be heading for the Nintendo DS handheld system. Unlike the previous series which were strictly RPG, Atelier Annie adopts a unique sim based SRPG system. Characters will explore the world of Annie to collect many rare items. As the head of a alchemy resort
you must go on quests to collect, create, and sell alchemy items to arriving customers at your resort.
1. Unique quest based item customization
2. Sim game like resort ownership
3. Simple yet intuitive strategy RPG battle system
4. Quick mini games through out the game for extra quests

Collect and sell your creations to help grow your resort village. What you do and make will affect how this village expands.

Players will search and fight to collect ingredients from throughout the world to create rare items.

Simple yet exciting. Atelier Annie adopts a strategy RPG style battle system for the first time.

Planet 51 Playstation 3 / Xbox 360 Screenshots

Sega has released screenshots of the Playstation3 and Xbox 360 version of the Planet 51 Movie Tie-In Game.

Planet 51


Planet 51 Wii Screenshots

Sega have released new screenshots for the Nintendo Wii version of their upcoming Planet 51 Movie Tie-In game.

Planet 51 Screenshots




Planet 51 DS Screenshots

Sega has released screenshots of their upcoming Planet 51 movie-tie in game for the Nintendo DS.

Planet 51




Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)




Monday, July 27, 2009

Microsoft Has Released Pictures Of Avatars Wearing Gears Of War Clothes

Microsoft has released pictures of Xbox 360 Avatars wearing Gears Of War 2 Armor and themed clothes. this feature is a part of the upcoming dashboard update, currently set for August 11th. Clothes and more will be able to be bought in a new Avatar store or as prizes in games.

Gears Of War Avatar Clothes.




Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Release And Pre-Order Information

Tecmo has released information regarding the USA release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. The game is set for a September 29th Release, With a Japanese and Europe release soon after.
There is a pre-order bonus for those who get it at GameStop. there is a 80 page book featuring a 30 page comic book, mini strategy guide, art gallery and commentary by the Team Ninja's producer, Yosuke Hayashi, and the games lead artists. There will also be an exclusive downloadable costume.




Press Release

TORRANCE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 27, 2009 The most intense, challenging, action-packed ninja adventure is back and arriving exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system this fall. The latest installment in the critically acclaimed series, NINJA GAIDEN® SIGMA 2, will be launching September 29, 2009 in North America, followed by Japan and Europe.

Developed by Tecmo’s own Team NINJA, the NINJA GAIDEN series follows the adventures of super ninja Ryu Hayabusa throughout the world. The series has earned high praise and a loyal following amongst core fans, as well as action gamers alike. Released in July 2007, NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA was the first in the series to land on the PLAYSTATION 3 system. From playability, visual presentation, to sound, the game received excellent scores all around.
NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA 2 takes the series further with the introduction of an all-new Team Missions online co-op mode and Chapter Challenge mode, multiple playable characters, large weapon variety, “Ninja Record” player stat system, a prologue comic with voice-overs and more. Encapsulating these features into one package makes NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA 2 not only the most challenging and addictive action game, but also the most definitive version of the series to date.
A special Collector’s Edition will be available exclusively at GameStop retailers nationwide and Canada. The Collector’s Edition includes an 80-page book featuring:

A 30-page Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 prologue comic written and designed by Team NINJA. The comic is a printed version of the in-game digital comic.

Mini-Strategy Guide: A starter guide covering Ryu, Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel’s weapons, ninpos, Story Mode basics, Team Missions and more

Art Gallery: A peek at various character concept artwork

Commentary from Team NINJA producer Yosuke Hayashi and lead artists

In addition, consumers who pre-order NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA 2 at GameStop will receive an exclusive downloadable costume available through the PlayStation®Network.

Story
As super ninja Ryu Hayabusa, you roam the world and hunt down the Demon Statue that was stolen by the Black Spider Ninja Clan to prevent the resurrection of the evil Archfiend. From Tokyo to New York, follow Ryu as he encounters vicious enemies and acquires an extensive assortment of ninja weaponry along the way.

Game Features
New Playable Characters: Ninja Gaiden’s Rachel, Ayane from the Dead or Alive series and Momiji from Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword appear as sexy new playable characters

Team Missions mode (Co-op): Two players can engage in online co-op play with voice chat in more than 30 different missions. View and record your play through “Ninja Cinema” and share your Cinema and Mission results via PlayStation Network

Chapter Challenge mode: Master your favorite chapter and compete against others for the top Karma points

Ninja Record: View your complete stats for every mode played, number of enemies defeated, drops and throws, combos, rescues, character usage rate and more

Rewards: Over 50 trophies to earn throughout the game and a dozen unlockable costumes. Weapons acquired can be leveled up to strengthen their power and gain new battle techniques.

Visual Diversity: Over 30 unique characters, 17 stages with a variety of environments, and a storyline which unfolds in 70 impressive cut-scenes

Variable AI: Contributing to the increased difficulty level, the gameplay differs each time you appear in a level as enemies engage in a variety of different actions as they assess the current situation

Gameplay Innovation: A finishing blow system can be used in battle to quickly defeat an enemy in one dynamic action

More information on the title is available at www.ninjagaidengame.com.
NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA 2 is rated “M” (Mature) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and will carry a suggested retail price of US $59.99 (Collector’s Edition US $69.99).

About Tecmo
Tecmo Inc. is a global developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Torrance, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of TECMO, LTD., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl® and Fatal Frame® series. On April 1, 2009, TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger. More information on TECMO can be found at www.tecmogames.com.

Ninja Gaiden® Sigma 2 © 2009 Tecmo, LTD. Ninja Gaiden and Tecmo are registered trademarks of Tecmo, LTD. Team NINJA and the Team NINJA logo are trademarks of Tecmo, LTD. “PlayStation,” “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.

USA Forza 3 Pre-Order Goodies Announced

Micorsoft has annoucned the Pre-Order Goodies that come with Forza 3. there are 10 Free Cars, 1 group of 5 cars are for VIP's, the other 5 were picked, tuned and coloured by Turn 10 Staff. You also get a 2 GB Flash Drive, A Keychain, A 360 Theme, and VIP Access to the Forza 3 Community. A Custom painted Audi R8 V10 will also be avaliable as it is the winner in their community design Competition.
This is only available for purchase at GameStop USA.


Forza 3


(the second disc is not a bonus disc. it is the games installation disc, the first disc is the play disc.)



New Klingon Ship Revealed In Star Trek Online

Cryptic have released information regarding a new Klingon ship for Star trek Online. The Vo'Quv class is " the ultimate weapon for a new Klingon Empire."1
Continuing the games theme of ships being able to be used for multiple things, this ship can carry lots of troops, it can carry alot of cargo, and it can help to re-build a fleet.
The ship can also launch fighters to attack, or use its tractor beam to hold a vessel during an attack, or just use its numerous omnidirectional weapons to do the job.
The vessel will probably be a high end ship and could be fairy numerous in the game as the article says "The KDF is assigning its most decorated captains to Vo'Quv ships, and many admirals and generals have claimed them as flagships."2


Star Trek Online



1 http://www.startrekonline.com/ships/voquv
2 http://www.startrekonline.com/ships/voquv


EA Has Revealed The Full Soundtracks For Madden NFL 10, NBA Live 10, NHL 10, And FIFA 10



For the first time in its history, EA has announced the full soundtracks for 4 of it's upcoming sport franchises, NHL 10, FIFA 10, Madden NFL 10, and NBA Live 10. Madden has big songs from big bands, whilst FIFA 10 features many international tracks, NFL 10 is full of Metal tracks, and NBA 10 has soul tracks. The idea behind giving the games different types of music was to match the type/style of music to the games unique styles, to give the player a unique experience every time.

Press Release/Music Tracks Per Game


MADDEN NFL 10
Since 2001, the annual Madden NFL soundtrack has become music’s most essential launching pad for such artists as Avenged Sevenfold, Franz Ferdinand, Lupe Fiasco and Fallout Boy. This year, Madden NFL 10 makes the ultimate surprise play with a front-line of classics that includes Black Sabbath, 2Pac, Iron Maiden, Kid Rock, Nirvana, Public Enemy, System Of A Down and Rage Against The Machine; tracks by breakout bands Airbourne, Mastodon, and Killswitch Engage; and an exclusive new song by Cypress Hill.

2Pac - Can't C Me
Airbourne - Heads Are Gonna Roll
Alice In Chains- Them Bones
B.o.B - Created A Monster
Bang Camaro - Revolution
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Cypress Hill - Get ‘Em Up
Helmet - Unsung
Iron Maiden - Aces High
Judas Priest - Painkiller
Kid Rock - I Am The Bullgod
Killswitch Engage - Reckoning
Korn - Blind
Mastodon - Divinations
Nas feat. Puff Daddy - Hate Me Now
Nirvana - Breed
Pantera - Walk
Public Enemy - Shut Em Down
Rage Against The Machine - Guerrilla Radio
Set Your Goals - Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)
Slipknot - Duality
System Of A Down - Sugar
The Vanity Plan - Before I Die
Young Dre The Truth - Cheah Beah

NBA LIVE 10
Long recognized as the premiere showcase for diverse and innovative new music, NBA LIVE 10 features more than 80% exclusive tracks, including reinvented classics from Afrika Bambaataa, Dead Prez and Snoop Dogg, along with ground-breaking collaborations by indie-rockers Matt & Kim with the legendary De La Soul, and newcomers Mickey Factz & B.o.B. The soundtrack also spotlights never-before-heard songs from Beastie Boys and Wyclef Jean.

88 Keys feat. Colin Munroe - Wake Up Call
Afrika Bambaataa feat. Why G, Mickey Factz &The Fort Knox Five - Zulu! (We Don't Stop Yawl)
B.o.B. - Champion
Beastie Boys - Pop Your Balloon
David Banner GQ - S.P.I.T.
De La Soul - La La La
Dead Prez - Still Bigga Than
Embassy Music Board - Overtime
Grand Puba - Get It
Laza - Crank It Up
Matt & Kim feat. De La Soul - Daylight (Troublemaker Remix)
Matt & Kim - Daylight
Mick Boogie feat. Kidz In The Hall, Donnis & Daytona - Class Of Our Own
Mickey Factz & B.o.B. - Mind Got Blown
Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli - History
Murs feat. Kurupt & Jay Rock - We Ballin'
Pete Rock - When I Need It
Reflection Eternal - Get Lite
Rye Rye feat. Busy Signal - Get Like This
Snoop Dogg - Lodi Dodi (LIVE 10)
Wale feat. Jazmine Sullivan - World Tour
Wyclef Jean feat. Haitian Fresh - Ballin'
Xzibit feat. BJ The Chicago Kid & Poo Bear - Fanatic
Young Dre The Truth & 2Pac feat. BJ The Chicago Kid - All Eyez On Me (The Truth)
Zion I - Go Hard

NHL 10
NHL 10 boasts a crunching line-up of metal, indie-punk and rapcore tracks from both legendary platinum bands – including Megadeth, Scorpions, Green Day and Rancid – and breakthrough new acts such as Cancer Bats and Metalkpretty.

Alexisonfire - Young Cardinals
Cancer Bats - Deathsmarch
CKY - Hellions On Parade
Disco Ensemble - Golden Years
Drangonforce - Heroes Of Our Time
Eagles Of Death Metal - Anything 'Cept The Truth
Earl Greyhound - Oye Vaya
Green Day - Know Your Enemy
Megadeth - Peace Sells
Metalkpretty - Wake Up! Wake Up!
Ministry & Co-Conspirators - Keys To The City (Chicago Blackhawks Theme Song)
MxPx - Kids In America
Nickelback - Burn It To The Ground
Papa Roach - Into The Light
Priestess - Raccoon Eyes
Rancid - The Bravest Kids
Scorpions - Rock You Like A Hurricane
Thousand Foot Krutch - Fire It Up

FIFA 10
For the latest edition of the most influential global soundtrack in the world today, EA SPORTS FIFA 10 brings together genre-spanning tracks from 39 different artists representing more than 25 nations, including England, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, Brazil, Norway, New Zealand, Israel, USA and Nigeria.

Adiam Dymott - Miss You - Sweden
Afrobots - Favela Rock - Brazil
Alex Metric - Head Straight - England
Auletta - Meine Stadt - Germany
Balkan Beat Box feat. Tomer Yosef and Saz - Ramallah-Tel Aviv - Israel
BLK JKS - Lakeside - South Africa
Bomba Estéreo - Fuego - Mexico
The BPA feat. Ashley Beedle - Should I Stay Or Should I Blow - England
Buraka Som Sistema feat. Pongolove - Kalemba (Wegue - Wegue) - Portugal
CasioKids - Fot I Hose - Norway
Children Collide - Skeleton Dance - Australia
Crookers feat. The Very Best, Two Fingers & Marina Gasolina - Birthday Bash - Italy
Cut Off Your Hands - Happy As Can Be - New Zealand
Dananananaykroyd - Black Wax - Scotland
Datarock - Give It Up - Norway
Fabri Fibra - Donna Famosa - Italy
Fidel Nadal - International Love - Argentina
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - La Luz Del Ritmo - Argentina
Macaco - Hacen Falta Dos - Spain
Major Lazer - Hold The Line - USA
Marcio Local - Soul Do Samba - Brazil
Matt & Kim - Daylight (Troublemaker Remix feat. De La Soul) - USA
Metric - Gold Guns Girls - Canada
Mexican Institute Of Sound - Alocatel - Mexico
Nneka - Kangpe - Nigeria
Passion Pit - Moth's Wings - USA
Peter Bjorn And John - Nothing To Worry About - Sweden
Pint Shot Riot - Not Thinking Straight - England
Playing For Change - War / No More Trouble - WORLD
Rocky Dawuni - Download The Revolution - Ghana
Röyksopp - It's What I Want - Norway
Soshy - Dorothy - France
The Answering Machine - It's Over! It's Over! It's Over! - England
The Enemy UK - Be Somebody - England
The Temper Trap - Science of Fear - Australia
Tommy Sparks - She's Got Me Dancing - England
The Whitest Boy Alive - 1517 - Germany
Wyclef Jean - MVP Kompa - Haiti
Zap Mama - Vibrations - Belgium

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer,NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA MobileTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. John Madden, NFL, FIFA, NBA, NHL, NCAA, Tiger Woods, and PGA TOUR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


UK Box Art For Bayonetta Released By Sega

Sega has released the UK box art for Bayonetta. The box art shows that the BBFC has rated the game as 15.





NBA 10 Screenshots for Xbox 360/Playstation 3

EA has released new screenshots for the upcoming NBA 10 on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

NBA 10




FIFA 10 PC Screenshots

EA has released some screenshots for the PC Version of FIFA 10.

FIFA 10





Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest)




Sunday, July 26, 2009

What Have You Played This Week?

Football Manager 09PC – Still playing, still going. It is my vice and will be for many years to come.

CrushPSP – I know when i've been beaten, and this game has me beat. It is hard, very hard. The story is not really needed, but doesn't hinder it, and the art style is ok, again not a hindrance. The key to the game is the simple mechanic of being to change a 3d landscape to something 2d. This they have got down great, but perhaps too good. I find that the difficulty rises too quickly compared to the players own skill. In some respects this game is very similar to Echochrome, and perhaps could have benefited from the focus purely on the puzzle aspect. I know i'm not going to finish this game but that doesn't worry me. It's such a unique puzzler, i'm just happy to have played it, experienced a new style of puzzle game.

Killzone 2 – PS3 – just playing online, trying to get some badges I don't have. Just got the side-arm badge, which has unlocked a nice new weapon, and about to get the air support badge, which would give me a nice new trophy. Have not got the new maps as I can't afford to get them.

Pokèmon Platinum – DS – in training for the final gym battle. It's taking a while but i'm sure i'll do it very shortly.




Saturday, July 25, 2009

LucasArts Announces Star Wars The Force Unleashed Sith Edition

LucastArts have announced a new expansion for Star Wars The Force Unleashed as well as a new retail version of the game.
Coming out this fall, Star Wars The Force Unleashed Sith Edition is coming to retail for both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. the game has the Coruscant DLC and the upcoming Tatooine DLC as well as a exclusive leve,l which follows on from the Tatooine DLC, putting the player on Hoth and other locations in Star Wars V The Empire Strikes Back.
The Tatooine DLC pack is set for a fall release on the Playstation Network and Xbox Live. This starts at the end of the game, but with one chance. the apprentice has killed Darth Vader, and taken his place at the side of the Sith Lord. Your aim on Tatooine is to kill Obi Wan kenobi.

Star Wars The Force Unleashed




Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – July 24, 2009 - LucasArts today announced that their hit
videogame Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will see further expansion this Fall through
a new downloadable level for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from
Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. In addition, the
company also announced Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition, a
special new version of the game for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3, that will show
gamers the deepest, darkest side of the Force in a story that puts them on a collision
course with Luke Skywalker himself. Available this holiday season at retail stores, The
Ultimate Sith Edition will include all of the original missions found in Star Wars: The
Force Unleashed as well as content previously only available via download and an allnew
exclusive bonus level*.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed completely re-imagines the scope and scale of the Force
and casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice,” unveiling new revelations about
the Star Wars galaxy seen through the eyes of a mysterious new character armed with
unprecedented powers. Originally released in September 2008, the game quickly became
the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever, and has since sold six million units worldwide.
About the Tatooine Downloadable Content for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Available this Fall via direct download from the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment
network and the PlayStation®Network, this new downloadable mission continues the
story of The Force Unleashed in a new “Infinities” storyline that takes the Star Wars
Saga in an entirely new and unexpected direction.

The mission begins at the end of the story of The Force Unleashed and re-imagines the
Star Wars Saga as if the Secret Apprentice had killed Darth Vader and taken his place at
the Emperor’s side, becoming the most powerful Sith Lord in the universe. The story
picks up as the Emperor sends his new apprentice to the planet Tatooine to dispatch Obi-
Wan Kenobi -- who has been hiding on the planet ever since the events of Star Wars:
Episode III Revenge of the Sith. During their hunt for the reclusive Jedi, players will also
explore the depths of Jabba the Hutt’s palace and encounter notorious bounty hunter
Boba Fett.

About Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition
Due to be released in retail stores this holiday season for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION
3, Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition combines the original Star
Wars: The Force Unleashed videogame and three new levels to create the definitive
ultimate-evil storyline of the events that occurred between the two classic Star Wars
movie trilogies*.

The additional content includes two levels set on Coruscant and Tatooine previously only
available via direct download, and an all-new exclusive level available only in the
Ultimate Sith Edition package.

The exclusive level concludes the “Infinities” storyline set up in the Tatooine mission, as
the Secret Apprentice is sent to the planet Hoth on a crusade to crush the Rebellion once
and for all. While on Hoth, players face Luke Skywalker himself while visiting iconic
locations seen in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.
More information about the game can be found at the official website,
www.theforceunleashed.com.

About LucasArts
LucasArts, a division of Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd., is a leading developer
and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console
systems, computers and the Internet. Based in San Francisco, Calif., as well as on the
Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts was created in 1982 by George Lucas to
provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multifaceted
entertainment company.

LucasArts and the LucasArts logo are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. © 2009 Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. or Lucasfilm Ltd. & ® or ™ as indicated. All rights reserved. “PlayStation", “PLAYSTATION", and “PS” Family logo are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their
respective owners.

* Internet connection required to access PLAYSTATION 3 bonus content.